Nadirshah

Nādir Shāh Afshār (August 6, 1688 – June 19, 1747) was one of the most powerful Iranian rulers in Iranian history, ruling as Shah of Persia (Iran) from 1736 to 1747. He was the founder of the Afsharid dynasty.

Born Nader Gholi, he rose from humble origins, leading a tribal band in Khorasan. He gained prominence by resisting Afghan invaders who had overthrown the Safavid dynasty. Through his military genius and political acumen, he reunited Persia and expelled the Afghans, restoring Tahmasp II to the throne. He later deposed Tahmasp and declared himself Shah, taking the regnal name Nadir Shah.

Nadir Shah was a brilliant military commander, often compared to Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. His campaigns extended Persian influence further than it had been for centuries. He conquered vast territories, including much of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. His most famous military victory was his invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739, culminating in the Battle of Karnal and the sack of Delhi. He looted Delhi, taking the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Peacock Throne, and vast amounts of other wealth back to Persia.

His reign was characterized by constant warfare and heavy taxation to finance his military campaigns. These policies, combined with his increasingly tyrannical behavior, led to widespread discontent and numerous rebellions. Ultimately, Nadir Shah was assassinated by his own officers in 1747, leading to a period of instability and civil war in Persia. Despite the short-lived nature of his dynasty, Nadir Shah left a lasting impact on Iranian history, remembered both as a brilliant military leader and a ruthless despot. His conquests and reign dramatically reshaped the political map of Asia in the 18th century.